10 Unique and Creative Airbnbs in California
California, where all dreams are welcome, is great for creative living and travel. Here are 10 unique and creative Airbnbs in California for your next creative retreat.
California is known for its creativity. From the many communities thinking up the next big idea to attractions inspired by famous examples of creativity, there are important and inspiring places everywhere for creative minds. Because of all these opportunities for creative travel, this state is perfect for a creative retreat.
These unique and creative Airbnbs in California were chosen based on elements known to support creativity and well-being to best assist creatives to meet their creative travel goals.
Elements Include:
- Connections to nature. Like forest bathing, hikes, and oceans, which are known to spark creative thinking and relaxation.
- Proximity to unique creative travel experiences to build new connections in the creative mind and spark happy memories to support novel thinking.
- Level of privacy and solitude to stay focused and undistracted.
- Average review score and Airbnb Superhosts.
Joshua Tree has long been a destination for creative retreats for Hollywood and other creative minds in California. There are many ways to travel to and experience this destination, and staying at a unique Airbnb is one way to support creative travel.
The Castle House Estate, which has been called an ultimate glamping experience, has been featured on HGTV and brings tiny home living to another level. Located minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, this is a unique and picturesque medieval piece of architecture that blends indoor-outdoor living with an emphasis on entertaining.
Guard Tower is the standard option for creatives seeking an Airbnb here, but the entire property is available for events and large groups.
- Sleeps: 2-16
- Minimum Stay: 1 Night
Creative Retreat
- Best For: Solo Retreat, Creative Couples, Creative Family, Creative Groups and Events
- Workspace: Small Indoor table, Outdoor Seating and Table
- Amenities: Wifi, Coffee Maker, Outdoor Shower, Desert Views, Mountain Views, Pool, Sauna, Fire Pit
Travel Tips
- Stay hydrated. A creative mind is a hydrated mind.
- Joshua Tree is open year-round, but spring and fall have the best weather.
- Explore the many artist towns nearby, including Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley.
- Hiking Trails: Skull Rock Nature Trail, Wonderland of Rocks, Pine City Trail
Who isn’t inspired by the worldbuilding of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world?
This Hobbit House Airbnb is perfect for the writer needing an escape and creative retreat to finish a project and spark inspiration.
Equipped with the iconic Hobbit round door, natural rock walls, and beautiful wood beam ceilings, it’s impossible not to experience total enchantment staying in this creative space.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 Nights
Creative Retreat
- Best For: Solo Retreat, Creative Couples
- Workspace: Desk, Outdoor Seating
- Amenities: No Wifi, Coffee Maker, BBQ, Outdoor Shower, Garden View, Mountain View, Valley View
Travel Tips
- San Diego is great year-round, but January may be the best with less rain and more mild temperatures.
- Take beach and surfing breaks during your creative retreat to support well-being and creativity.
- Check San Diego’s rich creative community: The San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Photographic Arts, Mingei International Museum, Comic-Con
Connecting with nature is a great way to inspire creativity and promote well-being.
This Glass House Airbnb in Sequoia National Park is a perfect destination to relax and recharge in mother nature. Relax and work on your creative projects inside and out, surrounded by nature with no barriers.
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum Stay: 1 Night
Creative Retreat
- Best For: Creative Families, Creative Groups
- Workspace: Large Dining Table, Outdoor Table, Outdoor Seating
- Amenities: Wifi, Coffee Maker, Bath Tub, Hammock, Patio/Balcony, Fire Pit, BBQ, Ping Pong Table, Board Games, Mountain View, Waterfront
Travel Tips
- Cell service is limited, so download maps before you arrive.
- Buy Sequoia National Park pass in advance.
- Be aware of bears.
- Hiking Trails: Moro Rock Trail, General Sherman Tree Trail, Tokopah Falls
Avast, Ye Mateys! If you’re looking for some exotic Caribbean vibes to inspire your creativity and relaxation while traveling in California, check out this Pirates of the Caribbean Getaway Airbnb in the heart of Topanga Canyon.
The property has waterfalls, ponds & a tropical-themed environment to get the creative juices flowing and supports connections with nature.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 Nights
Creative Retreat
- Best For: Solo Retreat, Creative Couples
- Workspace: Outdoor Table, Outdoor Seating
- Amenities: Wifi, Coffee Maker, BBQ, Hammock, Hot Tub, Sauna, Outdoor Bathtub
Travel Tips
- Topanga Canyon is a quirky and creative town with many great spots for dining and shopping.
- Visit the unique Hidden Treasures Vintage shop.
- Hike the popular Tuna Canyon Trails.
Few things are as relaxing as listening to the crashing waves of the ocean. Science even shows the psychological and physical effects of seeking out water for creativity and well-being, making this Airbnb a perfect relaxing refuge for a creative retreat.
The Bird’s Nest Bungalow on Stinson Beach is an Asian-inspired design on a lush hillside overlooking the ocean with a tranquil outdoor shower and soaking tub. Indulge in treetop ocean views from the comfort of a queen bed, work on your creativity in peace and watch the sunset from the privacy of a wooden deck. And the beach is only a five-minute walk to jump into the ocean for fun and relaxation.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 5 Nights
Creative Retreat
- Best For: Solo Retreat, Wellness Retreat, Creative Couples
- Workspace: Small Dining Table, Outdoor Table
- Amenities: Wifi, Coffee Maker, Outdoor Bathtub, Outdoor Shower, Beach/Ocean Views
Travel Tips
- Stinson Beach has moderate waves and soft sand for different levels of surfing.
- Stinson Beach is Open year-round, but it’s only recommended for swimming from late May through mid-September.
- Hiking Trails: Dipsea Trail, Cataract Falls, Matt Davis Trail
Finding peaceful solitude can do wonders for the creative mind and process. This Eco-Luxury Farmhouse Oasis Airbnb in Graton is perfect for a creative getaway. With a cozy minimal design and amenities like a solar-heated swimming pool, sauna, and outdoor shower, there’s plenty to help you relax when you’re not working on your creative projects.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 2 Nights
Creative Retreat
- Best For: Solo Retreat, Creative Couples
- Workspace: Small Dining Table, Outdoor Seating, Outdoor Table, Bathtub Tray Caddy
- Amenities: Wifi, Coffee Maker, Pool, Sauna, Hammock, Bathtub, Outdoor Shower, Yoga Mat, Board Games
Travel Tips
- Adults Only Airbnb.
- Pair your trip with Sonoma county wine tours.
This Water Tower Retreat is a cozy California retreat nestled among redwoods in Elk, just a few miles from the pacific ocean. It’s a perfect stopping place for when you’re marking off a Pacific Highway road trip from your California travel bucket list or just needing to disconnect and reconnect with the surroundings with some peaceful forest bathing.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 1 Night
Creative Retreat
- Best For: Solo Retreat, Wellness Retreat, Creative Couples
- Workspace: Outdoor Table, Outdoor Seating
- Amenities: No Wifi, Coffee Maker, Hammock, Garden View
Travel Tips
- 5 miles from the town of Elk and a nice coastal drive 14 miles to the historic village of Mendocino.
- Visit Greenwood State Beach, a great spot for diving, boating, fishing, kayaking, and beaches.
- Check out the Artist’s Collective in Elk which showcases local Mendocino-area artists.
It will be difficult to not find some zen in this South Mission Beach studio Airbnb in San Diego. Offering relaxed beach living, this cozy Airbnb is great for a creative and relaxing retreat to replenish well-being. Just steps away from the bay and a short stroll to the beach, when you’re not working on your creative project, there’s plenty to do in the area to support creativity and healthy living.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 Nights
Creative Retreat
- Best For: Solo Retreat, Wellness Retreat, Creative Couples
- Workspace: Dining Table, Breakfast Bar, Small Balcony Table
- Amenities: Wifi, Coffee Maker, Beach Access, BBQ, Balcony
Travel Tips
- San Diego is great year-round, but January may be the best with less rain and more mild temperatures.
- Take beach and surfing breaks during your creative retreat to support well-being and creativity.
- Try some creative cooking with healthy foods from San Diego’s many farmer’s markets.
- Check San Diego’s rich creative community: The San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Photographic Arts, Mingei International Museum, Comic-Con
Featured by Sunset Magazine as a “chic escape,” this Ocean View Treehouse in Aptos creates a great environment for creativity and wellness to grow. Made from natural materials and surrounded by trees and a beautiful view, this space has a calming and sanctuary tone that’s great for relaxing or getting some creative work done.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum Stay: 1 Night
Creative Retreat
- Best For: Creative Families, Creative Groups
- Workspace: Desk, Large Dining Table, Breakfast Bar, Small Kitchen Table, Outdoor Seating
- Amenities: Wifi, Coffee Maker, Hammock, Beach Essentials, Mountain View, Ocean View, Patio/Balcony
Travel Tips
- Visit Nisene Marks State Park.
- Seacliff State Beach, Manresa State Beach, and Rio Del Mar State Beach are great destinations for swimming, hiking, and fishing.
- Experience the area on the unique Santa Cruz Bike Tours.
Another great stop for a creative retreat while traveling down the picaresque views of the Pacific highway is the Big Sur Dream Home in Carmel. With a private driveway and a full 365 degrees view of redwood and oak ridges, it’s perfect for one or two people to relax and be inspired by nature. Take a dip in the hot tub and soak in the beautiful mountain ridge as birds sing and red-tailed hawks circle above.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 Nights
Creative Retreat
- Best For: Solo Retreat, Wellness Retreat, Creative Couples
- Workspace: Breakfast Bar, Outdoor Tables
- Amenities: Wifi, Coffee Maker, Patio, Hot Tub, BBQ
Travel Tips
- Wander through town visiting the many unique art galleries and boutiques, many off Ocean Street.
- Take a day trip to Monterey.
- Take a scenic drive down 17 Mile Drive.
- Hiking: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel River State Beach
Zach is an international writer, photographer, filmmaker, martial artist, and creator of Creative Enso, the Zen art of creative living. His goal is to empower and inspire creatives to live healthier, happier, and more creative lifestyles.
